VA awards $31.2M contract for rodent surveillance services to Charles River Laboratories

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $31,229 ($31.2K)

Contractor: Charles River Laboratories, Inc.

Awarding Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs

Start Date: 2023-05-22

End Date: 2027-05-21

Contract Duration: 1,460 days

Daily Burn Rate: $21/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Healthcare

Official Description: RODENT SURVEILLANCE SERVICES

Place of Performance

Location: WILMINGTON, MIDDLESEX County, MASSACHUSETTS, 01887

State: Massachusetts Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Veterans Affairs obligated $31,229.08 to CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES, INC. for work described as: RODENT SURVEILLANCE SERVICES Key points: 1. Contract awarded for essential public health services related to disease vector control. 2. Fixed-price contract type suggests predictable costs for the government. 3. Long-term duration of 4 years provides stability for service delivery. 4. Awarded under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), indicating a focus on smaller procurements. 5. Contractor has a significant presence in laboratory testing services. 6. Geographic scope limited to Massachusetts, potentially impacting broader surveillance efforts.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $31.2 million over four years for rodent surveillance services appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the work. Benchmarking against similar public health surveillance contracts is challenging without more specific service details. However, the firm fixed-price structure helps control costs. The award to a single, established provider suggests a potentially competitive bidding process within the SAP framework, aiming for value.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: full-and-open

This contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically allows for a broader range of competition than sole-source awards but may have fewer formal requirements than larger procurements. The data indicates two bids were received, suggesting a moderate level of competition for this specific requirement. The SAP process aims to balance efficiency with fair competition for procurements below certain thresholds.

Taxpayer Impact: The competition level, while not extensive, likely ensured a reasonable price for taxpayers. The SAP process is designed to be cost-effective for smaller contracts, preventing excessive administrative burden while still seeking competitive offers.

Public Impact

Benefits the Department of Veterans Affairs by ensuring a safe and healthy environment for veterans and staff. Services delivered include surveillance and monitoring of rodent populations to prevent disease transmission. Geographic impact is focused on facilities within Massachusetts. Workforce implications include potential employment for laboratory technicians and field personnel involved in surveillance.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited geographic scope may not address broader regional rodent control needs.
Reliance on a single contractor for a critical public health service could pose a risk if performance issues arise.

Positive Signals

Firm fixed-price contract provides cost certainty.
Long-term award ensures continuity of essential surveillance services.
Awarded through a competitive process, suggesting potential for value.

Sector Analysis

The contract falls within the 'Testing Laboratories and Services' industry, a sector critical for public health and environmental monitoring. This sector involves specialized scientific expertise and equipment. The market size for such services can be substantial, driven by government and private sector needs for compliance, research, and safety. This specific contract represents a significant, albeit localized, investment in disease vector surveillance.

Small Business Impact

The data does not indicate this contract was set aside for small businesses, nor does it provide information on subcontracting plans. Given the award to a large, established entity like Charles River Laboratories, it is less likely that small businesses will be directly involved as prime contractors. Further analysis would be needed to determine if subcontracting opportunities exist for smaller firms within the scope of this contract.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Veterans Affairs contracting officers and program managers. Accountability measures are typically embedded within the contract terms, including performance standards and reporting requirements. Transparency is facilitated through contract award databases, though detailed performance metrics may not always be publicly available. Inspector General jurisdiction would apply in cases of suspected fraud, waste, or abuse.

Related Government Programs

Public Health Surveillance
Pest Control Services
Veterans Health Administration Services
Laboratory Testing Contracts

Risk Flags

Limited geographic scope
Potential for single-source dependency over contract term

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Veterans Affairs awarded $31,229.08 to CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES, INC.. RODENT SURVEILLANCE SERVICES

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES, INC..

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Veterans Affairs (Department of Veterans Affairs).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $31,229.08.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2023-05-22. End: 2027-05-21.

What is the historical spending pattern for rodent surveillance services by the Department of Veterans Affairs?

Analyzing historical spending for rodent surveillance by the VA is crucial for context. While this specific contract is for $31.2 million over four years, understanding if this represents an increase, decrease, or stable level of investment is important. Without prior contract data for similar services, it's difficult to establish a trend. However, the VA's commitment to maintaining sanitary conditions across its facilities suggests a consistent need for such services. Future analysis should aim to identify previous contracts for rodent control or public health surveillance to assess if this award aligns with historical budgetary allocations and service requirements.

How does the contractor's track record in similar surveillance contracts influence the risk assessment for this award?

Charles River Laboratories is a well-established entity in the life sciences sector, known for a wide range of laboratory testing and research services. Their track record in performing complex scientific services, including those related to public health and environmental monitoring, suggests a capacity to meet the demands of this rodent surveillance contract. However, the specific experience with government contracts for rodent surveillance, particularly within the VA system, needs to be thoroughly reviewed. A positive track record in similar government contracts would mitigate performance risks, while any past issues could raise concerns about the contractor's ability to deliver effectively and on time.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this rodent surveillance contract, and how will they be measured?

Key performance indicators for a rodent surveillance contract typically focus on the effectiveness of the monitoring program, the accuracy of data collection, and the timeliness of reporting. Examples could include the number of rodent sightings reported, the percentage reduction in pest populations in targeted areas, the accuracy of species identification, and the adherence to reporting deadlines. The contract documents should outline these KPIs and the methodology for measuring performance. The VA's quality assurance personnel would be responsible for monitoring these metrics to ensure the contractor is meeting its obligations and providing value for the funds expended.

Are there any potential conflicts of interest associated with Charles River Laboratories performing rodent surveillance services for the VA?

Potential conflicts of interest must be carefully evaluated for any government contract. In the case of Charles River Laboratories providing rodent surveillance, a conflict could arise if the company also provides pest control services that might benefit from continued or increased rodent activity, or if their findings could influence the sale of products they manufacture or distribute. However, given that Charles River Laboratories is primarily known for contract research, development, and manufacturing services, and this contract is for surveillance, the direct conflict risk might be low. Nevertheless, the VA should ensure that the contract terms and oversight mechanisms prevent any situation where the contractor's findings could be biased or manipulated for financial gain.

How does the geographic limitation to Massachusetts impact the overall effectiveness of the VA's rodent surveillance program?

The limitation of this contract to Massachusetts raises questions about the broader scope and effectiveness of the VA's rodent surveillance program. While essential for facilities within that state, it suggests that similar contracts or internal efforts may be required for other VA facilities across the country. This fragmented approach could lead to inconsistencies in surveillance standards and response times across different regions. A more comprehensive, nationwide strategy might offer greater efficiency and a more unified approach to public health protection within the VA system, potentially leading to better resource allocation and disease prevention.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services › Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services › Testing Laboratories and Services

Product/Service Code: MEDICAL SERVICES › LABORATORY TESTING SERVICES

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 36C24E23Q0080

Offers Received: 2

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Parent Company: Charles River Laboratories International, Inc.

Address: 251 BALLARDVALE ST, WILMINGTON, MA, 01887

Business Categories: Category Business, Corporate Entity Not Tax Exempt, Manufacturer of Goods, Not Designated a Small Business, Special Designations, U.S.-Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $69,849

Exercised Options: $69,849

Current Obligation: $31,229

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline